Brazil’s telecommunications regulator announced on Friday its decision to suspend access to Elon Musk’s social network, X, following a prolonged conflict between Musk and a Brazilian Supreme Court judge. This action was taken after the platform failed to meet a court-mandated deadline to appoint a legal representative in the country.
Conflict Between Musk and Brazilian Judiciary
The feud between Musk and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes centers on concerns over censorship and the regulation of hate speech on social media. Musk has criticized Moraes, accusing him of enforcing unjust censorship, while the judge maintains that social media platforms require regulation to prevent hate speech.
Musk expressed his frustration on X, saying, “They’re shutting down the #1 source of truth in Brazil,” despite the platform still being accessible on Friday evening.
Impact on Starlink and Compliance Requirements
The dispute also led to the freezing of bank accounts belonging to Starlink, a satellite internet provider owned by Musk’s SpaceX, earlier in the week. In his ruling, Justice Moraes ordered the suspension of X in Brazil until the platform complies with all court orders, including paying over $3 million in fines and appointing a local representative, as required by Brazilian law.
Brazil’s telecommunications regulator, Anatel, has been tasked with enforcing this suspension, although the exact timeline for implementation has not been disclosed. To enforce the shutdown, telecommunication companies must stop carrying X’s traffic and prevent users from accessing the platform through virtual private networks (VPNs).
Additional Court Orders and Reversals
Moraes also imposed a fine of up to 50,000 reais (approximately $9,000) per day on those who continue to access X via VPNs. Initially, tech giants Apple and Google’s Android were ordered to remove the X app from their app stores and implement measures to prevent users from accessing the platform via their devices. However, Moraes later reversed this part of the order, deeming it unnecessary.
Both Apple and Google declined to comment on the matter.
Broader Implications and Government Response
In Brazil, Supreme Court judges have significant authority to make unilateral decisions, and in this case, Justice Moraes has received support from the majority of the 11-member court, including Chief Justice Roberto Barroso. The conflict originated earlier this year when Moraes ordered X to block accounts involved in investigations related to spreading misinformation and hate speech.
Musk criticized the order as censorship and responded by closing X’s offices in Brazil while keeping the platform operational. He also stated that Starlink would continue to serve Brazilians, including the military, for free until the dispute is resolved.
Earlier on Friday, Starlink requested the Supreme Court to lift the freeze on its bank accounts, arguing that it had complied with all judicial orders, but the request was denied.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva responded to the situation by emphasizing that all businesses operating in the country must adhere to legal obligations, regardless of their financial power. “Just because a guy has a lot of money doesn’t mean he can disrespect the law,” the president stated in a radio interview on Friday.
Musk responded to the president’s remarks by calling him Moraes’ “lapdog” and referring to the judge as a “dictator.” Despite the ongoing tensions, Moraes showed no signs of backing down, asserting that those who undermine democracy and human rights, whether in person or through social media, must be held accountable.
Also Read: Telegram CEO Arrested in France on Child Abuse Charges
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